CAUTIONARY NOTE: This 4f sAi "Je o a sumption that weather beyond the
period of the current U.S. W eau 30-day Outlook will be normal. Therefore,
the forecasts given below cannot be viewed with the same degree of confidence as those
in the "Insect and Disease Summary" usually released twice each month by this Station.

Each pest has more or less regular periods of increase and decrease throughout the
year. Weather conditions (temperature, rain, humidity) may affect populations directly,
or indirectly through effects on predators, parasites and tree growth. Departures from
the average population level may be caused by conditions that occurred months before.
Other fluctuations may reflect recent weather changes. The latter influences can be
forecast only to the extent that weather forecasts are available.

RECENT SITUATION JANUARY THROUGH MARCH 1969

Rust mite was the only citrus pest of immediate and general concern during the period.
It decreased to below average abundance and to moderate level in January, then increased
to high level in February and continued high and above normal through March. Heavy
infestations occurred in 21 to 31% of groves.
Texas citrus mite persisted at the rather constant low level normal for the period
and developed heavy infestations in 2 to 6% of groves. Citrus red mite was less abundant
and remained below normal. Six-spotted mite also was below average level and existed
only as a few light infestations.
Glover scale and yellow scale were the most numerous scales. Both were in the low
range before mid-February and at moderate level through March. Yellow scale was slightly
above normal abundance, as were snow scale, which is important in certain areas, and
green scale, which is a very minor pest.
Whiteflies were at the low levels normal for the period, whereas mealybug was
below normal and very scarce.
Black, purple, chaff and Florida red scales were below the average levels for the
period.
Aphids were scarce through February; then increased rapidly to abnormally high level
through March.

The period
played hardening
appeared at the

produced abnormally and persistently cool March temperatures which de-
and maturing of the abundant new flush. Although the foliar growth
normal time, the citrus bloom occurred about 3 weeks later than average.

GENERAL FORECAST APRIL THROUGH JUNE 1969
Rust Mite: Population is expected to remain above normal and in or near the high
range. This mite will be important in a majority of groves.
Texas citrus mite will gradually increase to the high range before June, then in-
crease further to the normal summer level. Moderate or heavy infestations are predicted
for 40% of groves.
Citrus red mite will gradually increase through June but is not likely to exceed
normal abundance or remain long at high level.
Six-spotted mite will appear in about 9% of groves before mid-June, then subside.
Very few infestations will be important.
Black scale will increase rapidly May through June. Population will attain a high
level in June but is not expected to exceed the normal abundance for the period.

Glover Scale:
Purple Scale:
Yellow Scale:
Chaff Scale:

Little change will occur from current low to moderate levels
before mid-May when a gradual increase will begin. Only a
few scattered groves are expected to develop heavy infesta-
tions through June.

Snow scale infestations are expected to spread and intensify in May, which will
result in a June population above the normal level.
Whitefly adults will be numerous until mid-May, followed by a rapid increase of the
larval stage to the normal high level for June.
Mealybugs will appear suddenly in numerous groves after April. Increase to the
normal summer high level is expected through June.
Aphids will remain at abnormally high level through April then rapidly subside in